The Labor Department's report that the economy created 114,000 jobs in September while the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent, the lowest level in 45 months, was noted by David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association.

Taiwanese will be allowed to visit the U.S. without having to apply for a visa, after Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Taiwan's inclusion in the U.S. visa-waiver program from Nov. 1.

Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the second quarter of 2012 after increasing 4.9 percent (revised) in the first quarter, according to a report Wednesday from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Proof that travel is a bright spot in the economy is offered by new Commerce Department data that shows international visitors have spent an estimated $82.2 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date.

In a sign that the travel industry is finally getting respect from the federal government, the White House Business Council welcomed top travel industry leaders last week to the first in a series of forums on economic competitiveness.

Earlier this week I joined Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for a dialogue with leaders within the travel and tourism industry at the White House Business Council American Economic Competitiveness Forum. We held a very useful discussion about how the Administration can continue to help support travel and tourism and the millions of jobs associated with the industry.

Camille LeGrand originally opposed the 2 percent levy that financed the creation of the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau more than seven years ago. “I didn't want any more taxes on my guests,” said LeGrand, owner of Russian River Getaways, which books vacation homes from Santa Rosa to Jenner.

Barbeques, pool parties, fun in the sun. To many Americans these are iconic summertime experiences. And while summer in California is filled with lazy days on the beach and fun splashing poolside, the Golden State holds so much more for summer travelers

As Californians took to the polls yesterday, there’s something we all can agree on, that tourism should have everyone’s vote. As attention turns to November and beyond, the travel and tourism industry continues to be shining bright for the Golden State.

"Visit California is thrilled to have the opportunity to have someone as dynamic as Noreen Martin on our board. Martin Resorts epitomize the luxury and diversity that make up the California travel experience. Her expertise in hospitality and dedication to the tourism industry will continue to elevate our organization," said Caroline Beteta, president and chief financial officer of Visit California.

Last year was a milestone for the state's tourism economy as visitor spending surpassed the $100 billion mark for the first time. And foreign dollars were a big reason why. Caroline Beteta, who as CEO of Visit California heads up the state's $50 million global marketing program, said the foreign influence on the state's tourism industry is only going to grow. Spending by international visitors has gone from 42 percent of total out-of-state spending in 2008 to a projected 50 percent in 2011...Visit California officials estimate that international visitor spending will jump 7 percent in 2012.

"Tourism is the number one service we export," Beteta said. "That means jobs." Beteta encouraged those in the hospitality industry to continue their efforts to market their destinations, particularly since travelers are becoming more savvy and cost conscious. With competition on the rise, it's critical to reinvest.

"California is home to many iconic destinations – many of which are best viewed from the road. Visitors who travel our highways and biways can experience the incredible diversity of the state from its spectacular coastline to the higher ground of the Sierra and everything in between," said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. "CaliforniaRoad Trips 2012 reinforces the best of California with a focus on our incredible attractions that every member of the family will enjoy."

Envision an oasis. It's a sunny desert valley nestled amid three mountain ranges, a place where visitors can experience a sense of escape, adventure and relaxation.
It's also a collection of experiences — golf outings, film and music festivals, street fairs, and more — that engage the senses and nourish the spirit.
That's the concept behind a new destination brand the Coachella Valley's top tourism agency unveiled to the public Tuesday.

Individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to advance the state of California's travel industry will be honored at the California Travel Association's (CalTravel) 30th Annual California Travel Summit,June 4-6, at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Nearly one-in-five (18%) Americans plan to take more vacation trips during this summer than last summer but are keeping value for their travel dollars top of mind, according to a national survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Choice Hotels International among 2,199 U.S. adults in April.

“In terms of economic impact and global exposure, International Pow Wow is the Olympic Games of the U.S. travel industry,” Visit California president and CEO Caroline Beteta said. “Hosting IPW in Los Angeles this year and San Francisco last year gave Visit California an incredible opportunity to show off our diverse tourism product to the world’s most influential and top-producing buyers of U.S. travel products.”

Tonight we look at the jobs recovery by various industries. The table below shows that the Leisure & Hospitality and Mining industry have recovered all the jobs lost during the Great Recession. The recovery has produced 1.25 million Professional Service jobs, almost 83 percent of those lost during the recession.

Santa Cruzan Jim Denevan's panoramic sand art and his iconic "Outstanding in the Field" table set at a farm are featured in Brand USA's "Land of Dreams," a $12.3 million ad campaign unveiled today at the US Travel Association's annual International Pow Wow in Los Angeles, attended by travel representatives from 70 countries.

Let’s play word association: I say travel, and you say … “Revenue generator” is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Yet according to U.S. Travel Association, overseas visitors to America spend an average of $4,300 each, enough revenue to create one new American job per every 37 visitors. Travel is in the top 10 industries in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

The State Department supports Brand USA, a public-private partnership with the mission of promoting increased international travel to the United States, and applauds the unveiling of its initial marketing campaign. We welcome its efforts as part of the President’s tourism initiative to support economic growth and job creation.

The United States will launch its first-ever comprehensive marketing campaign in the UK next week, which will include TV advertising, print ads, outdoor signage and social media strategies. Brand USA, the new tourism marketing body responsible for promoting the destination worldwide, said its goal was to "rekindle the world's love affair with the USA".

“California is the quintessential all-season, family destination that appeals to every generation,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California President & CEO. “Kids of all ages, parents and grandparents can enjoy quality time together and create memories that will be cherished forever while experiencing the vast array of new attractions debuting this year.”

“An estimated 64.4 million visitors participated in outdoor recreation activities in California in 2010,” said Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California and Vice Chair of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP). “Given no other state offers California’s diversity and abundance of landscapes, parks and activities, it’s easy to see why so many people are inspired to relax, connect with nature and explore their wild side here.”

AUBURN CA - Downtown Auburn will become even more welcoming on Monday. After more than a year of planning and preparation, the California Welcome Center and Placer County Visitors Center is moving from the Foresthill exit to a city-owned building on Lincoln Way, just off Central Square. Movers and staff were working late last week to make the location shift as smooth as possible. And even while the office was closed, people poking their heads in the door were greeted with a warm welcome.

Rob Lowe discusses his passion for California, the abundance and diversity of visitor experiences across California, the new web series on the Visit California consumer site and the importance of tourism to the California economy – including the 900,000 jobs the industry supports.

Tourism is already a booming industry in Los Angeles and may soon be even bigger. The city is gearing up to host one of the nation's largest trade shows for the travel industry, an April 21-25 gathering at the Los Angeles Convention Center that is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel business operators and generate at least $10 million in spending during the event.

Visit California, formerly the California Travel & Tourism Commission, envisioned a headquarters that offers guests and employees alike a taste of California’s many flavors. Built by HMH Builders, the new Sacramento office juxtaposes an urban, loft aesthetic against rustic, woody and coastal elements inspired by the state itself.

The key to raising the United States’ standing as a top tourist destination is to better promote its national treasures, be it the San Diego Zoo, the Statue of Liberty or the Everglades, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said during a stop here Wednesday afternoon.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to host a town hall-style event on travel and tourism at the San Diego Zoo highlighting California as a top tourist destination for outdoor recreation in the West.

Los Angeles has unveiled a fresh, new identity for visitors and convention attendees, with LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau changing its name to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

Time was when just the mention of the Grand Canyon, the Pacific Coast Highway or the New York skyline was enough to entice tourists from around the world. But that was before 9/11 and the rise of security barriers on entering the United States. And it was before Asia’s economic renaissance drew travelers there. So come May, the United States will begin the first coordinated effort to market itself overseas, using billboards, social media, public relations, trade shows and educational campaigns.

AEG, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race, has unveiled the official race jerseys for the 2012 race taking place May 13-20. The custom race jerseys, produced by Hincapie Sportswear, official jersey supplier for the Amgen Tour of California, are awarded to the race leaders in various categories throughout the eight-day competition.

The four states hit hardest by the housing bust — Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada — have seen job growth pick up noticeably in recent months. And that bodes well for the nation's employment picture.

Thanks to a recent executive order by the Obama Administration, California is expected to realize $140 billion of the estimated $850 billion in additional revenue that traveler spending will bring to the U.S. through the new federal plan for quicker visa processing.

According to research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global Travel & Tourism industry will grow by 2.8% in 2012, marginally faster than the global rate of economic growth, predicted to be 2.5%. This rate of growth means that Travel & Tourism industry is expected to directly contribute $2 trillion to the global economy and sustain some 100.3 million jobs.

Travel companies on Facebook will have to rethink their Pages’ interactivity, “look” and navigation as Facebook announced that improvements – or changes, that is — will be coming to corporate Pages by March 30.
Over the past few months, individual Facebook users have dealt with the introduction of the Facebook Timeline as the default format for their profiles, and now the new Facebook Pages for businesses and organizations similarly Timeline treatment.

WASHINGTON — The travel industry is promising to create nearly 3,000 jobs for veterans and military spouses by 2014 as part of a program announced Wednesday by Michelle Obama.
The first lady’s office said the American Society of Travel Agents was creating a coalition to help veterans and military spouses get jobs in the travel industry and hang on to them as families are transferred to different military bases.

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